Page 8 - PC Living Jan-Feb 2017

On the Cover:Note from the Publisher:T UGHL VEPARTNERSHIPS IN BUSINESS & LIFEThis is the fourth year of our Valentine’s Day special feature “Successful Partnerships in Business and Life.” Again, we interviewed local entrepreneurs who operate their businesses hand in hand with their life partners. With a shared mindset, pride, joy, commitment, and diligence, our busi- ness couples represent more than just a lifestyle. They re ect what’s to love about our area. Yes, there is a recipe for happiness... but its ingredients and measuring, simmering, and sizzling are decisively unique for each of our local entrepreneurs. Read about the together-workforce starting on page 33.So many things lie beneath the surface. Our writer, Robert Hurst, shows us historical facts and treasures that might otherwise be forgotten. The beauty and natural resources of our area lured early settlers and entrepreneurs. Often they had to endure the worst of circumstances. Thetown of Iola, once a ourishing trades town, disappeared almost completely from local maps.The best of men could not overcome the hardships and trials they faced at this forsaken place. Even legendary Samuel Hamilton Walker decided to leave the doomed town of Iola behind and joined the military in Texas. Read about Sam Walker’s early ventures and the fascinating history of Northwest Florida’s rst railroads beginning on page 74.www.PanamaCityLiving.comJanuary - February 2017THE BAY LINEON TRACK FOR 111 YEARSSWEET SATISFACTIONTHE SCOOP ON LOCAL DESSERTSSeen on the cover are Downtown Panama City business owners Channon and Daniel Johnston, one of six couples we interviewed for this issue’s “Partnerships in Business and Life” features. What’s their recipe for running two successful businesses anda happy life? Find out... “Tough Love – Successful Partnerships in Businesses and Life” starts on page 33.8 • January - February 2017 • www.PanamaCityLiving.comSpeaking about recipes... if you ever wonder where you can eat dessert rst or where you should take your sweetheart for a seductive nale to a romantic evening, we have done the research for you! For two weeks, we tried signature dessert menu items at area restaurants to sel essly help you seize your upcoming date night. Find our inside scoop on local treats starting on page 62.More than 70 years later, Panama City saw the construction of its rst railroad, the Bay Line. Read an overview of its history as remembered and researched by Bay County Historical Society member, Doug Davis, who worked for the Bay Line for 44 years. Today, the Bay Line is a modern venture that adds to Bay County’s excellent infrastructure and positioning as a desirable business location with connectivity to the nationwide railroad. Read about the modern-day operations of the Bay Line on page 80.These are ventures and people who are helping to establish our area and will continue to grow it. As always, it is a special treat to tell these stories and highlight the positive aspects of a growing and maturing community.-Val val@PanamaCityLiving.comPHOTOGRAPHER: SAVANNAH JANE